Christ Lutheran Tidings

Transcription

1 Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church September 2018 Christ Lutheran Tidings Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1: 17 Dear Friends, I am overjoyed by the wonderful celebration that we had the last Sunday in August. (Just a few days ago as I write this.) We have had a wonderful ten years together. I feel so blessed to be your ambassador for Christ in the community, the commonwealth, and all of creation. Sitting with my family, and later walking around the room, I delighted in the mixture of old friends and new friends breaking bread with one another. I give thanks that Christ has brought us together. That truth I always keep in my heart: Christ has bound us together as a people of truth and light. Where we come from matters little. What matters more is where we are going and who we care for along the way. You have watched my sons grow taller and my face add wrinkles. I have walked with you through the celebrations of life. We have grieved together, cared for one another in sickness and shared our hopes, dreams and fears. Thank you for trusting me and for listening to me. September continues our journey together and much is happening: the return of our Tuesday ministries, an important outreach into the community, and a little bit of fun in between. Please check out the newsletter for what is going on and help us bless the world. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Children s Church... 2 Prayer Study Session... 2 safetalk... 3 Prayer Shawl Ministry... 3 Banner Workshop... 5 Endowment Fund... 6 Stewardship News... 7 Anniversary Celebration... 8 Pleasant Memories... 9 Thank You Note... 9 Birthdays & Anniversaries SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST safetalk Workshop Sept. 29 Banner Workshop Oct. 13 & 20 In Christ s Love, Stewardship Program begins this month Pastor McCarty

2 CHILDREN S CHURCH Children s Church will start in October! Annmarie Trost, Erin Trost, Allyson Langston, Maddie Langston, Candi Freeman-Whitmore, Phyllis Cox and possibly Jeanne Webb will team teach a class for children up to age 12 starting October 14. We will have Children s Church on the 2 nd and 4 th Sundays of the month. The Children s Church participants and leaders will go downstairs to the elementary classroom below the sanctuary for the period after the Prayer of the Day until the Passing of the Peace. We will use the curriculum entitled All-In-One-Sunday-School by Lois Keffer. I d like to meet during the Sunday School hour on September 9 with everyone who can make it to look at the curriculum and set a tentative schedule. Please let me know by at peacocks2360@gmail.com if you are going to be able to be there, and we certainly welcome anyone else to participate in leading this short Children s Church session on the 2 nd and 4 th. I look forward to seeing the fun we will have! Submitted by Phyllis Cox PRAYER: DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE? Of course prayer makes a difference, but pra y er does not a lw a y s make the difference that we intend. Our Tuesday evening Bible Study returns to read another book by Philip Yancy that explores the mystery of Christian prayer. We will meet in the church lounge beginning Tuesday September 18 for two three-week sessions. First Three Week Session: September 18, 25 & October 2 Second Three Week Session: October 23, 30 & November 6 All evenings begin at 7:00 PM 2

3 safetalk: Suicide Alertness for Everyone Saturday, September 29 from 9:00 A.M. 12:00 Noon Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Staunton Enter into our Fellowship Hall on the Coalter Street Side Our summer news confronted us with a couple of high-profile suicides: Kate Spade & Anthony Bourdain especially come to mind. Each time this topic hits the news, it reminds us of our own moments of grief for people we have lost. We want to make a difference to help recognize and care for people who give us verbal cues of their personal struggles. To this end, Christ Lutheran in Staunton offers this support to church leaders in the Southern Valley Conference: safetalk is a half-day training in suicide alertness. It helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources who can help them in choosing to live. Participants don t need any formal preparation to attend the training anyone age 15 or older who wants to make a difference can learn the safetalk steps. The Reverend Carl Trost will serve as facilitator of the program. RSVP is necessary as we are limited to 30 participants and we have opened this space up to other churches. If you are interested, please call Brenda or Pastor McCarty. The Prayer Shawl Ministry Group is looking for new helping hands who would like to knit or crochet shawls or lap robes given to those who are ill, grieving, shut-in, as well as those who celebrate a marriage or birth of a new child or other special occasions. Please let us know of the need for one of our shawls. Recipients do not have to be members of Christ Lutheran Church. Our group meets twice a year in the spring and in the fall to enjoy a picnic-type meal and discuss our goals and projects. Our next get-together will be on Thursday, October 16 beginning at 6:00 P.M. in the church lounge. This time, the meal will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself. This is the perfect time for new knitters to come join us to find out more about our small group. Mark the date on your calendars. See you then! Dell Philpott & Brenda Wollner P.S.-Small balls of yarn from leftover projects are needed if you have any available. We will place a basket in the narthex for this purpose. Thanks! 3

4 The Brats of Clarence By Paul Menzer A Benefit Performance for New Directions Center At Oak Grove Theater, Verona September 14 & 15 at 7:30 P.M. Come see Pastor McCarty acting foolish on stage: talking in a Scottish accent, bedecked with a poufy wig, maybe even wearing a kilt. The Brats of Clarence is a comedy, spoof, sequel to Shakespeare s Richard III set in a world where rhyming verse is a capital offense and just about everyone seems to have a claim to the English throne. MEN S FELLOWSHIP SEPTEMBER 15 All men of Christ Lutheran Church are invited to attend our monthly Men in Mission Meeting on Saturday, September 15, 9:00 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall of the Church. We will enjoy breakfast together. We hope you can join us! HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CLEAN-UP DAY Saturday, September 15 8:30 A.M. 12:00 Noon Augusta County Government Center in Verona The following products will be accepted: Gasoline, Diesel Fuel, Antifreeze, Kerosene, #2 Fuel Oil, 2 Cycle Fuel Mix, Oil-based Paints & Stains, Polyurethane, CFL & Florescent Bulbs, Rechargeable Batteries, Automobile Batteries, Used Motor Oil, Pesticides, Herbicides, Mercury Devices, Solvents, Small Electronics, Computers 4

5 BANNER WORKSHOP SKILLS REQUIRED: Ability to use scissors AGES: GOAL: The goal of the workshop will be to learn techniques that can be used to produce elegant banners for congregational use. A 30 x 60 banner will be created from a pattern provided by the instructor. (Other sizes available if arranged in advance.) Many options will be presented for banner construction. Sewing skills are NOT required. Sewing options will be discussed, but the entire banner can be completed using no-sew techniques. The banner can be a single person or a group project. THEME: He has done marvelous things, Psalm 98:1 with imagery from the hymn Earth and All Stars (731 ELW, 558 LBW). An alternate theme can be used by advanced request. DAY ONE: How to deal with a home computer printed pattern Assembling the pattern Choosing images to use Image placement Choosing materials Explanation of options for supplies BETWEEN SESSIONS: Participants will shop and/or raid their stashes for fabrics and supplies needed. Some cutting will be done at home. DAY TWO Banners will be assembled SUPPLIES Supplies needed for first session: Scotch tape in desk type dispenser, scissors, ruler, pencil & paper. Supplies for second session to be determined at first session Participants or churches will need to provide the materials for the banner background and lettering. Fabrics will be available to choose from for the images on the banner. A complete supply list will be given at the first session. WHEN AND WHERE: Saturdays, October 13 and 20 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. both days. Christ Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 2807 N. Augusta St, Staunton, VA Use entrance at back of church. TO REGISTER: Call Christ Lutheran Church, Staunton Registration Deadline is October 4. Class size is limited to 8 banners (more than one person may work on same banner.). (Minimum of 4) FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Linda Youngblood at or LCYoungblood@gmail.com 5

6 What Good Is the CELC Endowment Fund? As noted in previous articles, Christ Lutheran Church has had an endowment fund since 1999 a financial bedrock for the church. The principal of the fund (or the amount contributed by our donor/members) is not intended to be spent, but is invested and the earnings on the investments are what can be spent. As of June 30, 2018 (the end of the second calendar quarter), the CELC Endowment Fund was valued at $770,823.87, of which $654, is principal to be protected. Spending from the earnings on the CELC Endowment Fund is intended to address church needs that are not a part of the ongoing operations of the church. Here are some examples of initiatives that were supported through the CELC Endowment Fund: Through the first seven months of 2018, the CELC Endowment Fund has disbursed $4, for support of March s Bach-Around-the-Clock, repairs to the plumbing in the men s bathroom, replacement of the garbage disposal, a contribution to the Staunton Police Department s child safety and drug prevention education program, and service on the air conditioner. In addition, the Fund has committed $8,600 toward replacement of the air conditioning system in the fellowship hall and upgrades to the technology used for presentations. In 2017, the CELC Endowment Fund disbursed $29,590 for repairs to the church roof, installation of a handicapped-accessible railing, repair and installation to both the heating and cooling systems of the church. As a long-time member of the CELC Endowment Fund Committee, Becky Rhodes notes that expenses funded in previous years include the repaving of the parking lot, the replacement and repair of appliances in the kitchen, the replacement of the water heater, and tree removal. As you can see, having this Endowment Fund is a significant benefit to the church. At a time in which we are challenged to meet our monthly expenses through the offering plate, some of these larger expenses would be completely out-of-reach. This investment account gives the church some flexibility in addressing high-priority needs that align with the purposes for which donor/members have contributed funds. As always, you may also direct any questions or comments to the Endowment Fund Committee members: Chair Sam Rowe, Vice Chair Gene Matthews, Secretary Amy Kiger, Treasurer Becky Rhodes, and Jim Gibson. Thank you for your interest in and support of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Endowment Fund! 6

7 STEWARDSHIP NEWS In A few weeks we will begin our 2018 Stewardship Program following the Pony Express format that we introduced last year. We will be doing things a bit differently this year but will still be focusing on helping all members think about their intentions for giving for We will be asking each of you to begin now to give prayerful consideration to what you would like to consider for giving to the church in Then it is a simple matter to complete the intention of giving or pledge card when you have the opportunity. How much should you pledge? We would like for you to consider tithing. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America suggests the guideline for financial management. Use 80% of your income for the things that you need. Save 10% for the future. Donate 10% to help others in need. That being said, we all have our own unique set of circumstances and we all have own unique gifts to share, so it is important that we each pray for God s guidance in this process as we decide what an appropriate response is. We will make intention of giving cards available to members prior to the beginning of the pony express campaign. This will provide several opportunities to complete the intentional giving card. Cards will be available at the back of the church for your completion on September 23 and 30. We will also have a covered dish dinner on October 7 following worship that will allow participants to complete their cards during the lunchtime meal. Once everyone has had a chance to complete a pledge card either before the kickoff lunch or during lunch, the Stewardship committee will compile a list of individuals who have not completed a card to be part of the pony express run. During the run, you will be asked to complete a card and take the pony express saddlebag to the next person until everyone has had contact. Our goal is to have 100% of our membership complete a card, place it in an envelope and either put it in the offering plate, drop it by the church office or place it in the #2 section of the saddlebag. The completion date will be November 11. What is essential is that each member participate. Every contribution is important. Every donation of time and talent is significant and appreciated. Together, every day, let us rejoice in God s wonderful and abundant gifts. Let us rejoice with grateful hearts. Judy Matthews Stewardship Committee 7

8 Happy 10th Anniversary Pastor! We had a very happy celebration on Sunday afternoon, August 26 in our Fellowship Hall as we honored Pastor McCarty, Elizabeth, Jamison and Kendrick on their 10th year anniversary with Christ Lutheran Church. We are so grateful for our many helpers to make our party such a good one. Thanks to Kathy Bigelow, Dell Philpott, Florence Jowers, Suzanne Lochner, Geneva Wiseman, Desiree Yeago, Phyllis Cox, Stacey Wolters, Debbie Morris, Wendy Hoffman, Barbara Shaner, Tom Miller and our Council Members for their support. Also, thanks to Charles Shaner for providing beautiful roses for our table decorations. Please enjoy a few of these pictures from our party, and we thank YOU for coming and to those of you who sent cards and gifts! A total of $452 was received as a gift for SACRA given in honor of Pastor McCarty. Our Pastor & Family on August 26,

9 Lots of fellowship and fun! The chocolate fountain was especially fun to clean up! Sweet Treats Lots of wonderful covered dishes. Thanks everyone! 9

10 EXCITING NEWS ABOUT PLEASANT MEMORIES The September meeting will be held on the 18 th. We will gather at Pleasant View at Noon to share a brief devotion and a covered-dish meal. You are encouraged to bring dishes to share which may consist of meat, salads, vegetables or desserts. There is no requirement what you bring or how much. Just come and share the food, fellowship and good times together. The program will consist of a caravan trip to Duane and Rebecca Perrin. They will arrive at the church in one of their antique cars. Duane said: It depends which one they can get started. After the meal we will follow them back to their home and shop at 4177 Spring Hill Road and view their antique car collection. It is important to note that Pleasant Memories is for anyone who wishes to take a few hours out of their day and enjoy food, fellowship and a short program of interest. Special plans are also being developed for something different for October. Watch the newsletter or learn about it at the September meeting. DUNKERS DAY 2018 Saturday, September 8 7:00 AM-1:00 PM Staunton Church of the Brethren invites you to join them for their annual event that includes breakfast, plate lunches, apple butter, apple dumplings, baked goods, yard sale, crafts, flowers, games, live auction and entertainment. All proceeds from this year s event will go to support the Augusta Free Clinic, SACRA, Weekday Religious Education, Valley Mission, Brethren Woods Helping Hands and the Capital Improvement Fund of the church. Fun for all ages! Rain or shine! A Thank You Note from the Reynolds Family Please accept our heartfelt thanks for all the cards, calls, prayers, and other expressions of love, condolence, and support you shared with us at the death of our daughter, Kelly, and on the occasion of Charlie s retirement from active ministry. Obviously, the joy of entering into retirement has been tempered by the intense grief accompanying our loss of a beloved child. However, God has been assisting us with the grieving process, and the healing continues with each passing day. Please continue to keep us in your prayers for the peace only God can provide. In Christ, Pastor Charlie and Mindy Reynolds 10

11 1 Brian Shaner Nicholas Walge 2 Kiera Barker Linda Vitt 3 Debbie Morris 4 Melanie Rhodes 6 Betty Cason 9 Tracy Matthews 10 Amy Bigelow 16 Katie Whitney 23 Carolyn Riley Carl Trost 24 Lorraine Bosserman Hanne Henderson Brian Smith 27 Rachel Obenschain 28 Alfred Berry 29 Aubrey Rhodes 4 Elizabeth & Rob McCarty (25) 6 Suzanne Lochner & Stuart Wiseman (26) 6 Jeanne & Patrick Webb (34) 18 Margie & Walt Obenschain (36) 24 Betty & Woodie Cason (53) It s a boy! Again! Ann & Meredith Yeago first great grandchild was born on August 16. Silas Matthew Yeago born to Marcus and Marybeth Yeago of Middlebrook. This is John and Donna Yeago's first grandchild. Ann & Meredith Yeago celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary on August 30! Golfers! Looking for something fun to do? Join us at our Annual Golf Day on Saturday, September 22 at Ingleside Golf Course. For registration and more information call the church office or pick up the flier on the table at the back of the church. 11

12 CHRIST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 2807 North Augusta Street Staunton, VA Worship with us! Worship: 10:30 A.M. Church Staff: The Rev. Robert McCarty, Pastor Florence Jowers, Director of Music Brenda L. Wollner, Secretary Debbie McCray, Custodian 2018 CHURCH COUNCIL: Officers: Melanie Rhodes, President Judy Matthews, Vice-President Allyson Langston, Secretary Scott Langston Barbara Shaner Gerald Wells Stacey Wolters Robbin Youngblood Treasurer: Kathy Bigelow Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church With God s grace, the Holy Spirit leads us to love and serve all.

13 notes Click to add a photo or drag your photo here. September 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Aug 26` :30-Worship ICM Sunday Labor Day 7:00-Choral Society rehearsal 7:00-Choir Rehearsal :15-Sunday School Meeting 10:30-Worship 7:00-Council 7:00-Choral Society rehearsal 7:00-Choir Rehearsal :00-1:00 Dunkard s Day at Staunton Church of the Brethren 9:00-Men s Mtg. Play at Oak Grove Theatre 7:30 PM 10:30-Worship 7:00-Choral Society rehearsal 12:00-Pleasant Memories Newsletter articles due 7:00-Prayer Study 7:00-Choir Rehearsal 8:00-Lutheran Golf Day First Day of Autumn :30-Worship 7:00-Choral Society rehearsal 7:00-Prayer Study 7:00-Choir Rehearsal 9-12:00-Safe Talk Workshop 30 Oct :30-Worship Special Dates: 7:00-Choral Society rehearsal 7:00-Prayer Study 7:00-Choir Rehearsal Labor Day September 3 Council Meeting September 10, 7:00 PM First Day of Autumn September 22 Lutheran Golf Day September 22 safetalk Workshop 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon September 29 Pleasant Memories Covered-dish meal at Pleasant View at Noon on September 18 (see more information inside) Prayer Study September 18, 25 and October 2 at 7:00 PM

14 September 2018 Worship Worksheet September 2 The 15 th Sunday after Pentecost AM: Melanie Rhodes September 9 The 16 th Sunday after Pentecost AM: Tom Miller September 16 The 17 th Sunday after Pentecost AM: John Lasher September 23: The 18 th Sunday after Pentecost AM: Scott Langston September 30: The 19 th Sunday after Pentecost Those Serving in Our September Worship Services: AM: Date Lessons Hymns Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 Psalm 15 James 1:17-27 Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146 James 2:1-10 [11-13] Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 116:1-9 James 3:1-12 Gospel: Mark 8:27-38 Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 54 James 3:13 4:3, 7-8a Gospel: Mark 9:30-37 Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, Psalm 19:7-14 James 5:13-20 Gospel: Mark 9:38-50 Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways Jesus, Still Lead On Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Open Your Ears, O Faithful People Eat This Bread Healer of Boundless Compassion Lift High the Cross Oh, Praise the Gracious Power O Jesus, I Have Promised Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus Let the Whole Creation Cry All Are Welcome Jesus Loves Me! Thy Holy Wings Clouds of Witnesses Surround Us Hymn Sing Date Ushers Reader Greeters Carolyn Haggerty, Wayne Huntley, Jay Shaner Phyllis Cox Jim Gibson The Langston Family Jamison McCarty Carolyn Haggerty Jim Gibson, Woodie Cason, Harold Craig Sam Rowe Neila & George Luzaich Amy Kiger, Suzanne Lochner, Evelyn Young Jackson Kiger Miriam Handley Gene Matthews, Woodie Cason, Wayne Huntley Debbie Morris Shelda & Jay Shaner Ushers: Please be at the church by 10:00 A.M. for usher duty on Sunday mornings. Head Usher for September is Jim Gibson ( ).. Altar Guild: Kathy Bigelow & Linda Youngblood Meals-on-Wheels for September 11: Betty & Woodie Cason; Jim Gibson & Carolyn Haggerty